The Redlegs Cincinnati have a rich legacy in Major League Baseball, with a history that reflects the team’s resilience and success. Known originally as the Cincinnati Reds, the franchise gained the “Redlegs” nickname during the 1950s. The Cincinnati Redlegs history showcases iconic players, championship triumphs, and contributions that shaped the sport, making the team a cornerstone of baseball tradition.
Established
1882
City
Cincinnati
League History
2000 – Present / Major League Baseball
1890 – 1999 / National League
1882 – 1889 / American Association
Team History
1958 – Present / Cincinnati Reds
1953 – 1958 / Cincinnati Redlegs
1890 – 1953 / Cincinnati Reds
1882 – 1889 / Cincinnati Red Stockings
Nickname
Redlegs – When it comes to sports, no team is more iconic than the Cincinnati Reds. As one of the oldest teams in Major League Baseball (MLB), they have a long and storied history that dates back to 1882 when they were known as the Cincinnati Red Stockings. But what many fans may not know is that their nickname has an interesting origin story—one steeped in history and controversy.
Cincinnati Redlegs Origin
This team's original name was "Redlegs," which came about due to anti-German sentiment during World War I and II when many people associated German immigrants with communism or socialism because of their political beliefs at home. This led some baseball executives at the time to rename them from “Reds” (which had been used since 1890) out of fear that it would be too closely associated with these ideologies; thus, “Redlegs” became their new moniker instead.
However, after a few years without much fanfare around this change—and after World War II ended—the name reverted to its original form: The Cincinnati Reds! Although there are still some who remember those days as being part of an ugly period in American history where innocent people were persecuted simply because they held different opinions than others did politically speaking, thankfully, we can now look past all that negativity and recognize how great our beloved hometown baseball team truly is!
Championship
World Series 0
1990, 1976, 1975, 1940, 1919
Stadium
2003 – Present / Great American Ball Park
1997 – 2002 / Riverfront Stadium
1996 – 2002 / Cinergy Field
1912 – 1970 / Crosley Field
1912 – 1934 / Redland Field
1902 – 1911 / Palace of the Fans
1894 – 1901 / League Park II
1890 – 1893 / League Park I
1884 – 1889 / American Park
1882 – 1883 / Bank Street Grounds
Owner
2006 – Present / Robert Castellini
1998 – 2006 / Carl Lindner, Jr.
1984 – 1998 / Marge Schott
1980 – 1984 / William & James Williams
1973 – 1980 / Louis Nippert
1967 – 1973 / Francis L. Dale
1961 – 1967 / Bill DeWitt
1933 – 1961 / Powel Crosley, Jr.
1929 – 1933 / Sidney Weil
1927 – 1929 / C. J. McDiarmid
1902 – 1927 / August Herrmann
1890 – 1902 / John T. Brush
1882 – 1890 / Justus Thorner
- 1954
-
Redlegs Time
In April 1953, the Reds, fearing that their traditional club nickname would associate them with the threat of Communism, officially changed the name of the team to the “Cincinnati Redlegs”. From 1956 to 1960, the club’s logo was altered to remove the term “REDS” from the inside of the “wishbone C” symbol. The “REDS” reappeared on the 1961 uniforms, but ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Cincinnati Redlegs History
The Redlegs Cincinnati franchise, originally known as the Cincinnati Red Stockings, is one of the oldest and most celebrated teams in Major League Baseball. Founded in 1876, the team has claimed five World Series titles and nine National League pennants. The Cincinnati Redlegs history stretches back to their first season, where they finished in second place in the National Association. Since then, the team has remained consistently competitive, with legendary players like Pete Rose and Johnny Bench leading them to remarkable successes.
The team’s golden era began in 1969–1970 with the emergence of “The Big Red Machine” under manager Sparky Anderson. Between 1970 and 1976, the Redlegs Cincinnati won four division championships and became one of only two teams to win back-to-back World Series titles twice, in 1975 and 1976. This period featured Hall of Famers Joe Morgan, Tony Perez, and George Foster, widely regarded as one of the greatest dynasties in baseball history. Their teamwork and dominance made a lasting mark on the Cincinnati Redlegs history.
In 1990, led by future Hall of Famer Barry Larkin alongside Chris Sabo and Eric Davis, the Redlegs Cincinnati captured their fifth World Series title, defeating the Oakland Athletics. This victory was a landmark achievement for a franchise that had been a cornerstone of Major League Baseball for over a century. While the team has experienced ups and downs since then, it has remained competitive thanks to emerging talents such as Joey Votto, Eugenio Suarez, and Luis Castillo, who continue to uphold the team’s proud legacy.
Redlegs Achievements
The Cincinnati Redlegs history reflects decades of remarkable achievements, iconic players, and unforgettable moments. From the early Red Stockings era to the powerhouse Big Red Machine and modern stars, the franchise has consistently influenced the game of baseball.
Today, the Redlegs Cincinnati remain a symbol of excellence and resilience in Major League Baseball. Their five World Series titles, nine National League pennants, and countless playoff appearances testify to a rich history that continues to inspire fans in the Queen City region and beyond. The team’s legacy is not just measured in victories but in the lasting impact on baseball culture and its devoted fanbase.
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Retired Number
1 / Fred Hutchinson
5 / Johnny Bench
8 / Joe Morgan
10 / Sparky Anderson
11 / Barry Larkin
13 / Dave Concepción
14 / Pete Rose
18 / Ted Kluszewski
20 / Frank Robinson
24 / Tony Pérez
42 / Jackie Robinson
*Blue is this team’s history
